How Ann Saves Money on Airfare, Hotels, and More

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Note from Kat: I first asked my fellow writers here at Corporette if we could team up on our favorite money saving habits and tips and tricks — and everyone’s advice was so good I thought I’d make a series out of it! (‘Tis the season, right?) Today, Ann, who writes our CorporetteMoms morning posts, is sharing her money-saving habits with us. Huge thanks to Ann!

Here are Elizabeth’s money-saving habits, in case you missed them!

In the past we’ve shared our money roadmap (what to do first/next in your personal finance journey), how to automate your savings and how to set up automatic investing, as well as discussed how to save for multiple financial goals. We’ve also talked about where to keep your emergency fund, and where to stash your cash when you’re unsure what you’re saving for (e.g., retirement, wedding, house, etc).

ANN’s Money-Saving Habits

When flying Southwest, I always check to see if the airfare has dropped since I booked my flight — if it has, a few easy clicks get me the difference as a flight credit.

I try not to check a bag, especially if there is an additional fee. [PSA: Southwest just announced a new policy: Starting with flights booked on May 28, you’ll have to pay to check a bag unless you’ve reached upper tiers of Rapid Rewards, are flying business class, or have a Southwest credit card.]

At least half my clothes are preowned or thrifted (which is ironic given I write for a fashion blog). Places I shop include ThredUp, Goodwill Finds, Current Boutique (a local D.C. consignment store), and my favorite brands’ preloved sites, including M.M LaFleur’s Second Act, and La Ligne’s Re-Ligne.

My kids wear mostly thrifted or hand-me-down clothes. 

I will drive my car until the wheels fall off. I am still driving a 20+-year-old Corolla I had in law school.

Instead of going out for dinner, I make happy hour into my version of an early bird special. 

My kids often take classes or attend camps at the local park district. 

I’m not a point hacking expert, but we try to charge everything to our Hyatt card (paid off each month). That, along with many business trips, has gotten us about two weeks’ worth of free hotel nights and upgrades for our summer vacation. 

If there is a generic version, I often buy that instead of the name brand.

At grocery and big box stores, I’ll look for the hidden shelf where they keep all the soon-to-be-expired, past-season, or slightly banged-up products that are still perfectly good. For example, I got a family-sized name-brand shampoo for about $5 because the pump had popped up.

Huge thanks to Ann for sharing her habits with us! Readers, what are your top money-saving habits?

related: financial tips for new lawyers (or other women in their first high-paying jobs!)

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / johnkwan.